German Aerospace Center's (DLR's) Research on U-space and Vertiports

Abstract

German Aerospace Center (DLR) is a leading research and technology centre in Germany for aeronautics, space, energy, transport, and defence research. It comprises over 51 institutes located in 30 cities across Germany. One of the areas of research in DLR focuses on developing Innovative Air Mobility (IAM) solutions, with results and innovations bringing benefits for industries, authorities, and public stakeholders. Within DLR, the concept of IAM is designed to offer innovative solutions for mobility as a part of several projects conducted at DLR. The HorizonUAM project [2020-2023] provided initial answers to the vision of urban air transport, focusing on aspects such as vehicles, infrastructure, operation and public acceptance. Similarly, project VERTIFIED (Vertiport Research Infrastructure for Innovation Exploration and Demonstration) [2024-2028] deals with creating a concept to build an actual demonstrator for two vertiport types at the National Test Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (DLR Cochstedt site at Magdeburg-Cochstedt Airport), enabling take-off and landing of Vertical take-off and landing Capable Aircraft (VCA) and interfacing with other modes of transport. On the other hand, the IAM-OSA (Innovative Air Mobility for Optimal Sustainability and Accessibility) project [2025-2027] expands the scope by seamlessly integrating IAM into existing transport systems and researching safe autonomy, safe communication, and navigation. IAM-OSA and VERTIFIED will be tested together using simulations in fast time, real time, and scaled flight tests. Additionally, DLR focuses on U-space by implementing a U-space airspace at the DLR's Cochstedt site in the form of a sandbox laboratory. Therefore, the interdisciplinary research demonstration of vertiports offers the opportunity to increase collaborations with external stakeholders. DLR is thus ideally positioned to develop new mobility concepts to maintain and expand a high standard of living in Germany and Europe.